Thirty-five Filipino teachers are fighting to keep their jobs in Louisiana school districts.
Five years ago, the teachers were recruited from the Philippines with the promise of teaching jobs in the U.S. and a better life. Since then, they have been acknowledged as some of the best teachers in Caddo school district, located in Shreveport, La. Many hold master’s and doctoral degrees.
However, a recent Labor Department ruling could potentially send them back to the Philippines since they are taking jobs that could be filled by American workers.
“The policy is that there is a preference for American workers,” Caddo School Board attorney Reggie Abrams said. “We respect that; but at the same time, we also look to see who is the best person to fill a position. And our Filipino teachers are often considered some of the best teachers we have in jobs we’ve had a hard time filling with qualified, certified teachers.”
Caddo school district is appealing the ruling, however, the odd’s are not in the school district’s favor. For personal stories about the teachers affected by the ruling, read the Shreveport Times.
